In Dunleavy’s view, there’s a choice only between extremes: Either Alaska continues on a path he claims will lead to financial ruin and taxes or everyone needs to sign on with his Americans for Prosperity-approved plan to throttle state spending and stifle taxes.

The governor refused to appointee one of the two nominees put forward by the Alaska Judicial Council to fill a vacancy in the Palmer Superior Court. Bolger replied with a constitutional lesson, noting the Alaska Constitution isn’t optional.

Many testifiers said the budget decisions can’t be boiled down to a choice between a PFD and the state services. Other changes like broad-based taxes, changes to oil taxes and reasonable cuts should be part of the discussion.